Tavana Salmon died at the age of 104. He was a dean of the commune of Paea and above all a key figure in Polynesian cultural history since he was at the origin of the return of tattooing and the influence of Tahitian dance in Hawaii in particular.
David Chang
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Published on September 24, 2024 at 9:35 a.m.,
updated on September 24, 2024 at 10:46 a.m.
Tavana Salmon, a great figure on the Polynesian cultural scene, died this Tuesday morning, September 24. The man had celebrated his 104th birthday on January 13. He had received a visit from the mayor of the town, Anthony Geros. “He is a role model for young Polynesians,” the latter confided.
He is known for creating one of the largest dance troupes in Hawaii called “Tavana’s”. He also participated in the return to fashion of fenua tattooing in the 70s. Originally from Paea, he was one of the oldest in the town, our colleagues from Hiro’a magazine reminded us in 2014.
Hare Salmon Paling Ly Mou Yn has studied the ancient culture of Tahiti extensively, so much so that he has been consulted in the film world as an advisor on films such as “The Bounty,” “Captain Cook” and “The Wind and the Stars.”
In a Facebook post, the President of the country, Moetai Brotherson, speaks of a “monument” of Polynesian culture.
A monument has just left us. One of the actors of the Mā’ohi cultural revival movement. He was one of the main actors in the renaissance of tattooing, in its traditional form.
Moetai Brotherson, President of French Polynesia
This morning, at the opening of the 2nd budget session in the assembly, the elected representatives observed a minute of silence in his tribute.
The assembly observes a minute of silence.
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©polynesia the 1st
